Brazilian Coconut Tea Cake and 20 Facts about the City of Salvador

When I decided to make this coconut cake recipe I immediately thought about Bahia, an exuberant state located in the North-East of Brazil.

Typical images of Bahia: rows of coconut trees and the beautiful sunset, all images of Bahia by my friend Thelicia (thanks Theli!)

I’ve been to Bahia many years ago for an university conference and was enchanted by the people, strong cultural heritage and the history of its capital Salvador. I stayed in a nice and charming bed and breakfast near the city centre. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name but it was an old Portuguese-style house hidden at the end of a steep lane. There was a small garden at the front and a set of narrow stairs that led people to the main entry. The B&B was run by two ladies dressed as typical baianas. The cosy decoration reminded me of an old Brazilian country house, the rooms had high ceilings and dark timber floors. The big windows on the living areas were kept open during the day and fresh air would circulate giving almost an outdoor feel to the place. In the bedrooms, there was predominantly dark timber furniture, bedspreads and linens were white and there were lots of colourful paints of local artists on the light blue walls. Breakfast was served in little room in the middle of the house and every morning the table was covered with tropical fruits and a selection of home-made quitutes (or treats) like sweet corn pudding, cassava bread and a super moist coconut cake.

More images of Salvador, Beacon, Church and the Bonfim’s Church fence covered with bracelets of “Nosso Senhor do Bonfim”. Considered an amulet the bracelet is a popular souvenir of Salvador and is sold all over the city by street vendors.

I had a wonderful time enjoying the stunning landscape, the history, the friendly people and of course the food of Salvador. The place is also a top destination for music and dance lovers who appreciate the vibrant Afro-Brazilian beats, samba and carnival.

Here are 20 facts about Salvador:

The coastal city was founded in 1549 and was the first capital of Brazil.

The original name of the city was “São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos”.

People born in Salvador are called “soteropolitanos”.

Salvador’s carnival has already been considered the biggest in the world and it has been celebrated since the 19th century.

“Baianas of Acarajé” are the symbol of Salvador. In Salvador is very easy to spot them, they are ladies dressed in white, wear a turban and lots of necklaces and bangles. They sell street food called quitutes like acarajé, vatapá and coconut slices.

Michael Jackson was one of the many artists who recorded a video-clip in Salvador. The video of “They Don’t Care About Us” features the energetic drums of the local group Olodum.

The exciting indoor market called “Mercado Modelo” is a major tourist attraction where it is possible to find crafts and art from all over Bahia like lace, paintings, berimbaus (Brazilian musical instrument), sculptures and souvenirs.

This market was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1968. Other famous visitors include: Jean-Paul Sartre, Orson Wells and Pablo Neruda.

“Elevador Lacerda” is an old lift founded in 1873 and connects the lowest part of the city with the highest. The lift works 24hrs/ day, it’s 72m height and carries 128,000 people per day.

The colourful lanes of the historical city centre of Salvador, known as “Pelourinho”

Mercado Modelo (indoor market of Salvador) and Elevador Lacerda

I’ve been addicted to Dorival Caymmi’s songs lately and I found one that matches perfect with how I feel now. After writing this post I really miss Bahia and this is what Caymmi’s song talks about:

2. In a bowl of an electric mixer beat the egg whites until soft peaks are formed. Reserve.

3. In large bowl combine egg yolks, butter and sugar and beat on high speed until creamy and pale. Add the coconut milk, milk, plain flour, baking powder and 100g coconut and beat until the cake batter comes together. Gently fold the egg whites, pour the batter into the baking tin. Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the cake.

4. For the syrup, in a small saucepan over medium heat combine water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Increase the heat to high and bring it to the boil. Take of the heat, stir in the coconut.

5. While the cake is still warm, remove from pan and transfer to a cake stand. Using a serrated knife carefully slice the top off to even the cake. Pierce the cake with a fork or a skewer. Pour the syrup all over the top and spread the coconut with the bottom of a spoon. Serve it warm or cold with your favourite cup of tea.

Another brilliant post Georgina! Coconut cake is so inviting. Wish it can pop out from the screen right now, LOL! I must thank you for helping me increase my knowledge about Brazillian cities and culture.

GeorginaRibas

Thanks so much Shoshanna, you are so kind. Post and recipe were made with love so I feel very happy when people enjoy! Thanks for the tweet too! 😉